A Comparative Study of the Exquisite Doors of the Qajar Period in Iran's Well Known Holy Shrines

Among the traditional arts during the Qajar era is designing and making the exquisite doors which is not studied yet as a special research. In research ahead, in order to reach and compare the structural elements, how and why of using geometric, plant, animal and writing motifs in these works; seven exquisite doors belonging to the Qajar era in four holy shrines: the shrine of Imam Reza (AS), the shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh (AS), the shrine of Shahcheragh (AS) and Shrines of Shah Abdul Azim Hassani (AS), have been studied. In this direction, identifying the probable factors in selecting materials, icons and inscriptions was considered in the areas of proportion, motifs, and the way of comparative study is used. This research says that who made these shrines wanted to show the spectacular views of Heaven's Door and is constantly to present religious beliefs into understandable images. Also, results show that medallion flowers, rose and arabesque as common elements of the Persian garden, are the same motifs in all case studies. In some cases, such as Shahcheragh's door, lotus was used maybe because of existence of this flower around the artist's hometown. Animal motifs are very rarely to use in these masterworks. The unique bird motif was used in the Hazrat Masoumeh Shrine. Analysis of writing forms and content of these artworks indicate that two calligraphic styles Thuluth and Nastaliq, are more common scripts in studied inscriptions. In addition, Quranic verses and some poems in subject praise and worship in samples were investigated.